Thursday IDP Corner: Week 3

Real talk, I have no real idea what either of these offenses are going to do against either of these defenses this week. DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller have been wonderful in the passing game, Lamar Miller has been as advertised the bell cow back, so good luck predicting where the tackle opportunities will show. Over in New England, the leading Wide Receiver may end up playing Quarterback, so anyone telling you that they know what’s going to happen in this offense this week, is just blowing smoke.

Chris Long has been very active in his first two games with New England, by no means is he worth rostering in leagues where specific DL spots are available, but in leagues that do, he is worth a look. He’s had a couple of great plays that have been called off due to penalties this year as well. He won’t be J.J. Watt, but he seems to love playing in New England for sure.

Logan Ryan, Malcolm Butler, Devin McCourty, and Patrick Chung have been playing around robin of who will get tackles from week to week so far, and I do not expect this to stop. Butler has some of the better upside with his ability to get in front of passes for Interceptions and Passes Defended.

If you didn’t draft him, Jamie Collins is most likely owned in your league. Come week 4 you may want to try to acquire Collins as one of the most important players for the Patriots will be back from suspension on week 5… Rob Ninkovich. “Nink” plays every position along the whole D line and will make life easier for both Long and Collins to get sacks and run play tackles. Collins is also the most gifted athlete on the defensive side of the ball for the Pats and will continue to make other types of defensive plays, because of this he is the player to own on this defense.

Speaking of J.J. Watt, he had a quiet, 1 tackle, 4 assisted tackle, 1.5 sack, 1 fumble recovery week, which could almost could be construed as a quiet week for him if it hadn’t been his first week back from BACK SURGERY.

The more impressive Houston defensive player has been Whitney Mercilus (named AFC week 1 player of the week). Who has lead the league in sacks since week 6 of last season, totaling 14 in that time. You’re interest in him should be elevated already with Houston’s primary LB, Brian Cushing, being out til week 6. John Simon has also benefited from a lack of Cushing. Neither, Simon nor Mercilus are tackle monsters, but will continue to put up worthwhile numbers while Cushing is out.

Johnathan Joseph, is most likely owned in your league, and is doing well… if he’s free and you need a DB, go add him.

A.J. Bouye has been playing well this season, as well as Kareem Jackson. Both, are worth putting on your radar, playing either this week should be done at your own risk.